Variations on a Burns Air: Scherzo

Commissioned by The Primrose Piano Quartet for a set of variaitions by several different composers on the Robbie Burns’ air: ‘By yon castle wa’ at the close of day’. Other composers include James MacMillan, Sally Beamish, Piers Hellawell, Zoe Martlew and John Casken. First performance 18th October, 2009 Tunbridge Wells Green Room Concerts. CD released on the Meridian label at King’s Place, London, 21st February 2010.

Prelude and Gnossienne

2008 | 10 mins | for cello, piano and double bass

Prelude after Gershwin

Gnossienne after Satie

These reworkings were devised in rehearsal with Graham Caskie, Thomas Carroll and Laurence Ungless.

Frozen Music

2006 | 18 mins | for guitar, violin, viola and cello

The Menuhin Hall

Ronchamp Chapel

The East Stand

Grand Central Waltz

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Fallingwater

The Gherkin

“I have come to expect outstanding originality in the work of Stephen Goss, and I was not disappointed. ‘Frozen Music’, for guitar and string trio, is his reponse to seven buildings that have meant something to him. A corresponding variety of styles has been employed by the composer, adding significantly to the interest. Extensive quotation, allusion and reference are hallmarks of Goss’s current style; while his works remain essentially modern, they do give the untrained ear something to hang on to while it assimilates the new and the unfamiliar. His new piece underlines my belief that Stephen Goss is good news for the guitar.” Colin Cooper, Classical Guitar

Drums and Trumpets

2005 | 1 mins | for six trumpets and timpani

Commissioned by the University of Surrey for the installation of Prof Christopher M Snowden as Vice-Chancellor of the University. First performed by University Trumpets at Guildford Cathedral on 28th September 2005.

Spin

A collaborative work with composer Tom Armstrong, choreographers Jennifer Jackson and Noni Jenkyn-Jones, and video artist Deveril. Funded by Arts Council England and first performed at the Guildford International Music Festival, 8th March 2003.